A computing device receives from a user, a request to simultaneously record two or more programs from a content server onto the computing device and initiates a streaming video session between the computing device and a video client. The computing device provides, to the video client, recording parameters for one of the programs and then receives, via the streaming video session, a video stream from the video client. The video stream includes the one of the programs from the content server based on the recording parameters that is then recorded by the computing device.
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1. A computing device-implemented method, the method comprising: receiving, at the computing device, a request to simultaneously record two or more programs from a content server; determining, by the computing device, that the computing device has a quantity of tuners available to simultaneously record the two or more programs based on the request; receiving, at the computing device and after determining that the computing device has the quantity of available tuners, another request to record a first program, of the two or more programs, through a video client, the computing device not recording the first program, of the two or more programs, at any of the quantity of tuners determined to be available to simultaneously record the two or more programs; initiating, by the computing device, a streaming video session between the computing device and the video client; providing, by the computing device to the video client, recording parameters for the first program; receiving, by the computing device, a second program of the two or more programs; receiving, by the computing device via the streaming video session, a video stream from the video client, the video stream including the first program, at the same time that the computing device receives the second program; converting, by the computing device, the received video stream to a storable digital video recorder format using at least one of encryption or compression; recording, by the computing device, the second program; and recording, by the computing device, the converted first program received, via the streaming video session, at the same time that the computing device records the second program.
A computing device records multiple programs simultaneously. It receives a request to record two or more programs from a content server. It checks if it has enough tuners to record all requested programs directly. If a program needs to be recorded through a video client, the device initiates a video streaming session with that client, providing recording parameters. The device receives the video stream of the first program from the video client while simultaneously receiving a second program directly. The incoming video stream is converted to a storable format, possibly using encryption or compression. Finally, the device records both the converted video from the streaming session and the second program at the same time.
2. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1 , where the request is to simultaneously record three programs, the method further comprising: receiving, from the content server, the third program; and recording, by the computing device, the third program based on the request.
Building upon the ability to record multiple programs simultaneously, as described in the first recording method, this enhancement allows for recording three programs. The device receives a request to record three programs. If one program needs to be recorded through a video client and the other two can be handled directly, the device streams one program from the video client while simultaneously receiving and recording the other two programs directly from the content server, using its available tuners.
3. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1 , where the streaming video session is conducted over a network within a customer premises.
In the described method for recording multiple programs simultaneously using a video stream from a video client, the video streaming session between the recording device and the video client occurs over a local network within the customer's home or business. This implies that the video client and recording device are on the same local network, allowing for efficient streaming of the video content.
4. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1 , where the streaming video session uses Internet protocol.
The video streaming session between the recording device and the video client for simultaneous recording, as described in the first method, utilizes the Internet Protocol (IP). This means standard internet protocols are used for transmitting the video stream, ensuring compatibility and enabling communication between devices using standard networking technologies.
5. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1 , further comprising: indexing the converted first program and the second program.
The described method for simultaneous recording also includes indexing the recorded programs. Both the program received via the streaming video session from the video client and the program received directly are indexed, allowing for efficient searching, retrieval, and playback of the recorded content within the digital video recorder system.
6. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1 , where the computing device comprises a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR) and where the video client comprises a set-top box.
The computing device performing the simultaneous recording is a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR), and the video client used for streaming is a separate set-top box. This describes a scenario where one set-top box uses another set-top box on the network to help record more simultaneous programs than it could record by itself.
7. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1 , where the content server comprises a headend for a subscription television service.
The content server, from which the programs are being requested for simultaneous recording, is a headend for a subscription television service. This clarifies the source of the video content being recorded as a broadcast provider offering television channels and on-demand video content.
8. A device comprising: a memory to store digital video content and a plurality of instructions; a processor to execute the plurality of instructions in the memory to: receive a request to record two or more programs from a content server, determine that the device has a quantity of tuners available to simultaneously record the two or more programs based on the request; receive, after determining that the device has the quantity of available tuners, another request to record a first program, of the two or more programs, through a video client, the processor not recording the first program, of the two or more programs, at any of the quantity of tuners determined to be available to simultaneously record the two or more programs; initiate a streaming session between the device and the video client, provide, to the video client, recording information for the first program, receive a second program of the two or more programs, receive, via the streaming session and from the video client, a video stream including the first program at the same time that the processor receives the second program, convert the received video stream to a storable digital video recorder format using at least one of encryption or compression, record, in the memory, the second program, and record, in the memory, the converted first program at the same time that the processor records the second program.
A device for recording multiple programs simultaneously includes memory for storage and a processor. The processor receives a request to record two or more programs and determines if it has enough tuners. For a program to be recorded via a video client, the processor initiates a streaming session with that client, provides recording information, receives video stream, and convert it using encryption or compression, and then the processor records both the converted video stream and a second program received directly.
9. The device of claim 8 , where the processor is further to execute the plurality of instructions in the memory to: transmit information to the video client to terminate the video streaming session.
The device capable of simultaneous recording, as described in the previous device description, also transmits information to the video client to terminate the video streaming session after the first program has finished recording. This frees up resources on the video client and conserves network bandwidth.
10. The device of claim 8 , where the request is to simultaneously record three programs and the processor is further to execute the plurality of instructions in the memory to: receive, from the content server, the third program; and record the third program.
A digital video recording (DVR) system is designed to enable simultaneous recording of multiple television programs. The system includes a processor, memory, and a tuner module capable of receiving broadcast signals. The memory stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, allow the system to request and record multiple programs from a content server. Specifically, the system is configured to receive and record a third program while already recording two other programs, ensuring all three are captured without interruption. The tuner module may include multiple tuners or a single tuner with time-division multiplexing to handle the simultaneous requests. The system also manages storage allocation to ensure sufficient space for all recordings. This invention addresses the need for multi-program recording in environments where users may want to capture multiple shows airing at the same time, such as during prime-time scheduling conflicts. The solution optimizes hardware resources to avoid missing any content while maintaining recording quality.
11. The device of claim 8 , where the streaming video session uses Internet protocol.
In the device implementing simultaneous recording using a video client, the streaming video session utilizes the Internet Protocol (IP). This provides a standard method for the device and video client to communicate and exchange video content.
12. The device of claim 8 , where the content server comprises a headend for a subscription television service.
The content server from which the device records programs is a headend for a subscription television service. This defines the source of the recorded video content as coming from a broadcast provider.
13. The device of claim 8 , where the device comprises a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR).
The device capable of simultaneous recording and streaming from a video client is a set-top box/digital video recorder (STB/DVR). This specifies the type of device implementing the described functionalities.
14. The device of claim 8 , where the device and the video client are connected within a home network.
The device and the video client used for simultaneous recording are connected within a home network. This suggests that the devices are operating on the same local network, facilitating efficient streaming of video content within a residential setting.
15. The device of claim 8 , where the processor is further to execute the plurality of instructions in the memory to: apply a compression process to the video stream.
As part of the simultaneous recording process, the device applies a compression process to the video stream received from the video client. This reduces the storage space required for the recorded content and improves the efficiency of network transmission.
16. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium containing instructions, the instructions comprising: one or more instructions, executable by at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to receive a request to simultaneously record two or more programs from a content server; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to determine that the at least one processor has a quantity of tuners available to simultaneously record the two or more programs based on the request; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to receive, after determining that the at least one processor has the quantity of available tuners, another request to record a first program, of the two or more programs, through a video client, the at least one processor not recording the first program, of the two or more programs, at any of the quantity of tuners determined to be available to simultaneously record the two or more programs; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to initiate a streaming video session with the video client; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to provide, to the video client, recording parameters for the first program; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to receive a second program of the two or more programs; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to receive a video stream from the video client, the video stream including the first program, at the same time that the processor receives the second program; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to convert the received video stream to a storable digital video recorder format using at least one of encryption or compression; one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to record the second program; and one or more instructions, executable by the at least one processor, to cause the at least one processor to record the converted first program at the same time that the at least one processor records the second program.
A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium contains instructions for simultaneous recording. These instructions, when executed, cause a processor to receive a recording request, determine tuner availability, initiate a video stream, provide recording parameters to a video client, and then simultaneously record from the video stream and a direct content feed, converting as needed.
17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 , where the request is for simultaneously recording three programs, the instructions further comprising: one or more instructions to receive a third program; and one or more instructions to record the third program.
The computer-readable medium for simultaneous recording also includes instructions for recording three programs. These instructions handle receiving a third program directly from the content server in addition to the streamed program and a second direct program.
18. The computer-readable medium of claim 17 , where the third program is recorded simultaneously with the first program and the second program.
In the computer-readable medium for recording three programs simultaneously, the third program is recorded at the same time as the first (streamed) and second (direct) programs.
19. The device of claim 8 , where the processor is further to execute instructions in the memory to: index the received video stream.
The device with the ability to record multiple programs from both local tuners and a streaming client can also index the incoming video stream.
20. The computer-readable medium of claim 16 , where the one or more instructions to receive the video stream from the video client include: one or more instructions to index the received video stream.
The computer-readable medium for multi-program recording, when receiving the video stream, also contains instructions to index the incoming video stream, enabling easier search and retrieval later.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
June 11, 2009
August 6, 2013
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